Artificial gill



Aug. 1, 1967 B. R. BODELL 3,333,583

ARTIFICIAL GILL 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 25 1963 4 INVENTOR.

facejodel BY f E. R. BODELL,

ARTIFICIAL GILL ug. l 1967 2 Shees-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 25, 1963 l v INNTO mcejodzl United States Patent C)A 3,333,583 ARTIFICIAL GILL Bruce R. Bodell, 251 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611 Filed Sept. 25, 1963, Ser. No. 311,448 4 Claims. (Cl. 12S-142) This invention relates generally to skindiving, submarining and other underwater activities, the invention relating more particularly to underwater respiration and air purifying devices.

Interest in underwater exploration for recreational and scientific purposes has spurred the development of numerous devices for enabling human beings to breathe while underwater. The prior art underwater respiration devices rely for a source of oxygen either on the earths atmosphere or on artificially produced and compressed oxygen. When air from the surface is conducted to the submerged person, his depth and mobility are restricted by the available conduit or hose; and surface storms pose a serious hazard to the continuing supply of air. On lthe other hand, when compressed oxygen is provided in tanks, the bulk and weight of the tanks can prove inconvenient. Moreover, the submerged period for a diver using compressed oxygen is limited by the contents of the tanks.

Therefore, a general object of the present invention is to provide new and improved underwater respiration apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide an underwater respiration device that uses the dissolved gases of the surroundinU water as an oxygen source.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an underwater respiration device that allows the individual diver great freedom of movement and depth of dive.

And still another object of the invention is to provide an underwater respiration device that is immune to the hazards of surface disturbances.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an underwater respiartion device that permits dives of indefinite duration.,

And yet another object of the invention is to provide an underwater respiration device that is both lightweight and eicient.

An underwater respiration of air purifying device must necessarily be adaptable to a variety of applications. Otherwise, its use would be strictly limited. Hence, it is a further object of the invention to provide an underwater respiration device that is amenable to either individual or group use.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following descriptions.

An underwater air purifying device in accord with the invention includes a tubular member which defines a section of a water transfer passageway. A tubing member of gas transfer material is loosely configurated in this cavity for immersion in the water passing therethrough, the tubing member forming a passageway for air to be oxygenated and purified. Because of the gas transfer properties of the tubing member and because of the partial pressure differentials between the air and the water, the air passing therethrough picks up dissolved oxygen from the water in the surrounding tubular member and delivers carbon dioxide to the water whereby the air becomes purified.

The invention, both to its structure and modes of usage will be better understood by reference to the following disclosure and drawings forming a part thereof, wherein:

FIG. l is a schematic perspective view showing a diver equipped with an underwater respiration device constructed in compliance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective View of a portion of the respiration device of FIG. 1;

Patented Aug. 1, 1967 ICC FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of one cell of the respirtaion device, a portion being broken away to reveal internal details;

FIG. 4 is a view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to the showing of FIG. 4 and illustrating a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, sectional view of a header member used in the device of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of underwater living quarters employing an air purification device in compliance with the invention for oxygenating and purifying the air within the chamber.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, specifically to FIG. 1, a diver will be seen equipped with a face mask 30 and an underwater respiration device 32 which is constructed in compliance with the principles of the present invention. The face mask 30 is securedin place by a head strap 34 and includes a resiliently compressible gasket 36 that provides a water-tight seal about the divers eyes, nose and mouth. The face mask 30 creates an air space into which and from which the diver may breathe.

The respiration device 32 is carried pack style by means of a sling arrangement 38, although it is to be recognized that other carrying schemes may be equally well employed. For purposes of illustration, the underwater respiration device 32 is shown to include two -tiers or principal cells 40 each of which comprises a number of smaller modules or tubular members as will be described hereinafter. Furthermore, each of the cells 40 includes an individual air inlet pipe or manifold 42; and the manifolds 42 are connected to the face mask 30 by means of appropriate fittings and a bifurcated hose 44. Each of the major cells 40 is also provided with an air outlet or exhaust pipe 46; and the discharge ends of these air outlet pipes are connected to an expansible and collapsible rubber bladder 48 by means of a bifurcated hose 50. A bellows or other expansible and collapsible member may be substituted for the bladder 48 if desired. In any event, the bladder or other similar member which is attached to the air outlet pipes 46 permits the diver to exhale so as to drive his breath through the respiration device 32 and into the bladder 48, thereafter inhaling and withdrawing his breath through the respiration device for a second pass, oxygen being added to this cycled breath and carbon dioxide being withdrawn therefrom as will be describedV more fully hereinafter.

The respiration device 32 is arranged to employ the surrounding water as a gas transfer medium and as a source of oxygen. Therefore, the cells 40 are arranged t-o define therein a water transfer passageway. The internal water transfer passageways of lthe cells 40 are connected 'in series fluid circuit by an abbreviated conduit 52. However, parallel fluid connection is also possible. Water from the surroundings is forced through the water transfer passageways of the cells 40 by means of a pump 54 which is carried by the diver as part of his equipment. The pump 54 includes an inlet 56 that withdraws water from the surroundings, and the pump 54 delivers water under lpressure to one of the cells 40 through a hose 58. The water which is passed through the cells 40 is discharged through an outlet 60.

It will be realized that various pieces lof auXillary apparatus may be incorporated with the underwater respiration device 32. For example, the respiration device and the various hoses and the bladder 4S may be insulated thermally and a heater may be provided between the pump 54 and the cells 40 in order to conserve the body heat of the diver. Furthermore, the number of cells in the respiration device may =be varied so as to increase or decrease the gas transfer efficiency whereby to accommodate the oxygen requirements of variousv divers.

Turning to a consideration of FIGS. 2-4 for a more detailed description of one of the major tiers or cells 40, such a tier or cell is seen to comprise a plurality of tubular units or modules 62 which are advantageously fabricated from a suitable resinous plastic material or other rigid material of construction. The material for use in fabricating the modules 62 is desirably of inert character to avoid corrosion or other reaction with the watery environment. Each of the tubular members or modules 62 is adapted to comprise a section of the water transfer passageway; and the tubular units or modules 62 are aligned on a common axis to be clamped together between end members or closure plates 64 and 66. Suitable means, such' as threaded rods 68 and wing nuts 70 are employed for this latter Ipurpose, the rods 68 passing through the closure plates 64 and 66 so that the cellulose derivatives. The overall diameter and wall thickness yof the tubing member 82 is governed by the desire to maximize the amount of surface or membrane entire length so that modules 62 may be added or removed as is desired.

The closure plates 64 and 66 are fabricated from the same material-as the modules 62, or from a material which is compatible with the material of the modules; and stub connectors 72 are attached to the respective closure plates by cooperating threads, a fusion joint or cementing so as to form a fluid-tight joint therebetween, the connectors 72 being employed in attaching the hose 58 and the conduit 52 Yas is well illustrated in FIG. 3.

Each of the tubular members or modules 62 is fashioned with open ends, and one end wall of each moduleV is provided with an annular groove or channel 74, the opposite end wall being unbroken. Extending across the interior of each module adjacent the unbroken end wall thereof is a woven or perforated screen element 76 which is securely supported within the module, as for example by assembling the screen element in the -modulcby means of an interference fit. Situated in each of the grooves yor channels 74 is a gasket ring 78 which is placed under compression when the modules are clamped together by the rods 68 and wing nuts 70, the gaskets 78 effectively sealing the joint betweenV each module and Ybetween the closure plate 64 and the adjacent module.

Cooperatively, the closure plate 66 is fashioned with an Y annular groove or channel 80, and an annular gasket kof the diver; and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.

2-4, the tubing member 82 is of capillary'tubing and comprises a single unbroken length coiled loosely in the corresponding module so that its 'surfaces may be exposed to the water passing through the module. Capillary tubing is'employed because it provides a large external surface area for efficiency in gas transfer.

The connections at the ends of the tubing member 82 are achieved by needles 84 and 86 which extend through the sidewall of the corresponding module 82 as ispwell Vshown in FIG. 4. The ends of the tubing member 82 are stretched an'd slipped over the inner ends of the needles 84 and 86. The outer ends of the needles are vsecured respectively to fittings 88 and 90 which are connected in fluid circuit respectively with the airV outlet Vpipe 46 and the ,air inlet pipe vor manifold Y42, short sections 92 and 94 of a suitable tubing being employed in making these latter connections.

The specific material of construction for the tubing member 82 is selected to have suitable permeability to area which is exposed to the owing water. Silicone rubber tubing having an internal diameter of 0.012 inchV and an external diameter of 0.025 inch has proved eminently useful, although tubing having an internal diameter -up to 1A@ of an inch and having a wall thickness of from 5-'16 mils is practicable, the length of the tubing, however, being determined in accordance with the lesser or greater area afforded by the specific tubing selected.

In use, the underwater respiration device 32 serves to purify and oxygenate the diversY exhaled breath before it is returned to him for inhaling. Specifically, the vdivers Y exhaled -breath passes through the hose 44 and through the air inlet manifolds or pipes 42, owing thereafter through the several tubing members 82 and into the air outlet manifolds or` pipes 46. Next, this exhaled breath passes through the bifurcated hose 50 into thebladder 48 expanding the latter element. As this exhaled breath flows through the tubing members 82, gas transfer takes place through the walls of the tubing members due to theV gas permeability of the tubing members and due to the relative difference in the partial pressure ofthe gases in the exhaledbreath and the '.water. The water being forced throughrthe modules 62 picks up carbon dioxide Y of movement and choice in the depth of dive. Because the underwater respiration device 32 utilizes the dissolved gases of the surrounding water as an oxygen source, the diver is permitted dives of indefinte duration. As Vwill also be recognized, the device 32 is both lightweight and efiicient.

While a particular embodiment ofthe invention has thus far been shown and described, it should be understood that the invention :is not liimted thereto since many modifications may be made. For example,'a modified form of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 where like numerals have been used toV designate parts which are similar to those found in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4,

the suffix letter a being employed to distinguish those elements specificallyV associated with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6. v

The modified form of the invention shown in FIGS.V 5 and 6 is particularly characterized by the provision of multiple gas passageways between the manifolds or pipes 42a and 46a. Specifically, a header 100 is assembled to each of the fittings 88a and 90a which extend through the sidewalls of modules 62a. With particular reference to FIG. 6, a header 100 is seen to include a hollow stem portion 102, a hollow body portion 104, and six needlelike connectors 106.7The stem portion 102 is adapted to pass through .an apertureformed in the sidewall of the module 62a in communication with a bore in one of the fittings 88a or 90a. The hollow stemportion 102 alsoV 'of the needle-like connectors 106. One end of a length of a capillary tubing member 82a is coupled to each of the connectors 106 by being stretched over the pointed end thereof.

As is shown -in FIG. 5, the individual tubing members 82a are connected to each of the headers 100 whereby to establish six parallel iiuid circuits between the headers. By providing multiple iiuid paths between the headers, a substantial increase in the volumetric air iiow is achieved betwen the fittings 88a and 90a, thus increasing the eiiiciency of gas transfer and reducing the amount of work necessary to circulate the air.

The embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 is also characterized by the tubing members 82a being loosely configurated in the cavity of each module 62a. By means of this loose configuration and by means of the fabrication of the tubing members 82a from a iiexible material such las silicone rubber, the tubing members are capable of responding to the currents in the iiowing water by relatively free movement whereby to avoid substantially the development of cavitation eifects adjacent the tubing members. Greater efficiency in gas transfer is achieved thereby.

The underwater respiration device of the invention is not limited to use by an individual diver. Rather, the underwater respiration device of the invention is likewise amenable to group use for purifying the air in a submarine Vessel or in a permanent underwater habitation. Therefore and turning to a consideration of FIG. 7, an underwater housing chamber indicated generally by the numeral 110 is seen to be equipped with an underwater respiration device 32b, like numerals having been used to designate parts similar to those found in the respiration device of FIGS. 1-4 with the sufiix letter b being employed to distinguish those elements associated with the embodiment of FIG. 7. The housing chamber 119 is intended to provide shelter for men leading submarine lives for extended periods, the men remaining submerged and venturing forth from the housing chamber periodically into the surrounding water to explore, catch fish or perform scientific experiments.

The respiration or .air purifying device 32b is of generally larger dimensions than those for a unit embodied to be used'by an individual diver. Additional footage of the tubing members of gas transfer material is also incorporated in the device 32b whereby to accommodate the increased .amount of air which needs to be purified. Moreover, the device B2b is mounted to the side of housing chamber 119 in a container 112, although the device 32b may be also mounted within the housing chamber itself if desired. In addition, an air pump 114 ris provided to extract air from the interior of housing chamber 110 and deliver it to the air inlet hose 44b which leads to the air purifying device 32b. The water circulating pump 54h is enlarged in size in order to provide the necessary flow of water through the device 32b.

In compliance with a feature of the invention as embodied with a submarine vessel or underwater housing chamber, the purified air from the device 32h is passed through a condenser 116 before it is returned to the interior of housing chamber 110. Since water vapor as well .as oxygen passes through the walls of the gas transfer material into the flowing airstream, it is advantageous to dehumidify the purified air before it is returned to the interior of the housing chamber. Furthermore, the water which is extracted from the airstream in this fashion is free of dissolved salts and other impurities and, hence, may provide .a highly desirable source of potable water when, for example, the housing chamber 11i) is situated in sea water. The condensate from condenser 116 drains by gravity into a tank 11S from whence it may be Withdrawn as desired by means of a spigot 120; The purified and dehumidified air passes from the condenser 116 into the housing chamber through a conduit 122. The water from the environment is conveniently used as the heat transfer medium for the condenser 116. In other respects, the air purifying device 32b operates in a fashion similar to the device disclosed in FIGS. 1-4 for use by an ind-ividual diver.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown ,and described, it should be understood, of course, that the invention is not strictly limited thereto; and it is, therefore, contemplated to cover by the present application any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An underwater air purifying device comprising a tubular member defining interiorly a cavity .adapted to comprise a passageway for water containing dissolved oxygen; means for circulating water through said passageway, and one or more lengths of capillary tubing disposed in said cavity for immersion in the water passing therethrough, said tubing being essentially self-supporting and forming a passageway for air to be oxygenated and purified, an air inlet connected to one end of said tubing, an air outlet connected to the other end of said tubing, and means for connecting the air linlet and air outlet to a confined space containing said air to be oxygenated and purified, said capillary tubing being made of a material that is substantially liquid impermeable and gas permeable and having an Iinternal diameter of from about 0.0120.0625 inch and a wall thickness of from about 0.005-0-016 inch.

2. An underwater air purifying device .as set forth in claim 1 in which said capillary tubing comprises a plurality of capillary tubing sections mounted between inlet and outlet headers.

3. An underwater air purifying device as set forth in claim 1 in which the capillary tubing is made of silicone rubber.

4. An underwater air purifying device as set forth in claim 2 in whichthe capillary tubing is non-linearly disposed within said passageway.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,915,059 12/1959 Le Masson 12S-142 2,972,349 2/1961 De Wall 12S-214 3,185,149 5/1965 Rentsch 12S- 144 3,228,394 1/1966 Ayres 128-142 FOREIGN PATENTS 733,473 7/ 1955 Great Britain.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner. W. E. KAMM, Assistant Examiner. 

1. AN UNDERWATER AIR PURIFYING DEVICE COMPRISING A TUBULAR MEMBER DEFINING INTERIORLY A CAVITY ADAPTED TO COMPRISE A PASSAGEWAY FOR WATER CONTAINING DISSOLVED OXYGEN; MEANS FOR CIRCULATING WATER THROUGH SAID PASSAGEWAY, AND ONE OR MORE LENGTHS OF CAPILLARY TUBING DISPOSED IN SAID CAVITY FOR IMMERSION IN THE WATER PASSING THERETHROUGH, SAID TUBING BEING ESSENTIALLY SELF-SUPPORTING AND FORMING A PASSAGEWAY FOR AIR TO BE OXYGENATED AND PURIFIED, AN AIR INLET CONNECTED TO ONE END OF SAID TUBING, AN AIR OUTLET CONNECTED TO THE OTHER END OF SAID TUBING, AND MEANS FOR CONNECTING THE AIR INLET AND AIR OUTLET TO A CONFINED SPACE CONTAINING SAID AIR TO BE OXYGENATED AND PURIFIED, SAID CAPILLARY TUBING BEING MADE OF A MATERIAL THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY LIQUID IMPERMEABLE AND GAS PERMEABLE AND HAVING AN INTERNAL DIAMETER OF FROM ABOUT 0.012-0.0625 INCH AND A WALL THICKNESS OF FROM ABOUT 0.005-0.016 INCH. 